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Dear Mr. Adrian Lasimbang,
Kg. Nampasan, Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
I am writing to you as a Sabahan, a member of the Sabah KDMR community.
I am reaching out to you because I am familiar with you and your family, as well as
the admirable work you have done to uplift impoverished KDMR communities in
Sabah.
I feel compelled to inform you that the poverty situation in Sabah, particularly among
the KDMR community, remains distressing. If not adequately addressed, this
situation will only worsen.
It is disheartening to note that 8 out of the 10 poorest districts in Malaysia are
located in Sabah, all of which are inhabited by the KDMR community. This is indeed a
tragedy.
To provide you with some statistics, the average per capita GDP of Sabah is around
US$6,000.00, compared to the national average of US$12,000.00. Singapore has an
average per capita GDP of approximately US$76,000.00, making it the second highest
in the world.
Furthermore, Sabah faces the highest rates of illness and illiteracy, as well as serious
challenges with water supply, electricity, and recurrent flooding. Sabah also faces a
very high youth unemployment.
This is highly disappointing given that Sabah had the 3rd highest average per capita
GDP when Malaysia was formed 59 years ago!
Most Sabahans know that the annual budget allocation of approximately RM5 billion
from Kuala Lumpur, combined with the local income generated in Sabah, is grossly
insufficient to tackle the aforementioned problems.
Therefore, Sabah must explore innovative ways to secure additional funds in order to
grow its economy (GDP), raise the average per capita GDP of Sabahans, and
ultimately eradicate poverty in the state.
I would like to emphasize that I have spent several months reviewing and analyzing
the Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA) and its potential transformative impact on
Sabah's economy.
This involves obtaining direct and extensive briefings from the
local NC Staffs of HS based in KK.
I have also conducted thorough due diligence on Dr. Ho Choon Hou, as well as the
Service Providers and Project Developers associated with Hoch Standard Pte Ltd (HS),
which is a party to the NCA.
I can confidently confirm, in writing, that Dr. Ho, the Service Providers, and the
Project Developers behind HS have impeccable credentials. Their track records can
be independently and externally verified.
I must also add that I have consulted some members of the Sabah Law Association
about the NCA, and they have all confirmed that the NCA is valid and enforceable.
Please note that one of the retired Chief Justices of Msia sits as a member of HS’
Global Advisory Board.
Hence, based on my comprehensive review of the NCA, subject to the DATA Room of
the 2 million hectares under the NCA to be provided by the Forest Department, as
well as Carbon Credit price trends, the NCA has the potential to generate a minimum
of RM2.8 billion per year for Sabah. It will also provide sustainable long-term
employment opportunities for Sabahans, with the recruitment of 3,000-5,000 Carbon
Rangers.
The implementation of the NCA will also attract multi-billion foreign capital
inflows, creating positive economic impacts throughout the Sabah economy.
Furthermore, the implementation of the NCA will involve the deployment of cutting-
edge technologies such as Satellite imaging, Drone Technology, AI, ML, Blockchain,
and Cloud Banking. This will result in technology transfer benefits to all Sabahans.
It is important to note that the entire forest operation in Sabah generated
approximately RM180 million in 2022 through extensive logging activities.
The NCA, however, does not involve the felling of a single tree. Instead, it focuses on perpetual
forest conservation. The NCA also does not require the Sabah Government to inject
any form of capital, expose itself to losses or liabilities, or permit mineral prospecting.
In essence, it provides a means to unlock the currently "lazy" Natural Capital assets of
Sabah.
As reported in the Borneo Lines Newspaper on July 3, 2023, premised on the signed
NCA, Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan has proposed to the Prime Minister the relocation of the
Carbon Exchange from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah. It appears that the PM has given his
blessing in principle. This proposed move has the potential to transform Sabah's
natural capital assets and create high-quality, long-term employment opportunities
for all Sabahans and digitally connect Sabah to the carbon credit industry globally.
Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, a passionate advocate for Sabahan rights, is genuinely concerned
about addressing the serious poverty issues faced by Sabah, particularly within the
KDMR community.
As the Chairman of the NCA Steering and Management Committee, established and
approved by the Sabah Cabinet, it would be wise for you to personally meet and have
an honest conversation with Dr. Jeffrey and address your concerns directly to him in
an objective and professional manner. I am confident that both of you will prioritize
the best interests of Sabah.
Since the NCA is currently being implemented, it would be unhelpful and unwise to
continue airing grievances in the media, as it could damage Sabah's reputation as a
stable location for foreign investors.
Adrian, it is crucial to remember that we are all indigenous Sabahans first. The KDMR
community, in particular, is facing severe poverty issues, and we must come together
as Sabahans to address them.
I regret to inform you that the BAU (Business As Usual) approach will not effectively
solve the poverty problems in Sabah.
I strongly believe that the NCA presents a practical solution not only to address
poverty but also to foster economic growth and transform the Sabah economy into a
Green Circular Economy, aligning with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Sabah must avoid perpetuating extractive economic policies that destroy the
environment and jeopardize the livelihoods of future generations.
Lastly, through Dr Jeffrey’s initiative, I have been advised that a credible foreign
funder has formally proposed RM17 billion to the Sabah government to fund flood
mitigation problems. Combined with the multi-billion foreign capital inflow and
carbon credit income generated by the NCA, this RM17 billion flood mitigation
funding will have a significant multiplier effect on the Sabah economy.
I also wish to inform you that KDCA has given its full support for the implementation
of the signed NCA.
Sincerely,
………………………………………………..
Ramdi Indang JP
President, Sakag Talantang
CC:
Chief Minister
Deputy Chief Minister
State Secretary
Attorney General
Forest Conservator
President KDCA
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